We have all had those moments when we are so physically or mentally exhausted that we just want to quit. Maybe we have spent time on a work project and the end just doesn’t seem to be in sight. Maybe we signed up for a course or class are just struggling to stay motivated to see it through. There are so many different things that can lead us to that feeling of inadequacy and urge us to give up. If you are feeling that right now, you need to stop and pay attention, and learn how to turn it around.
Recently I fell into a mental block. I put so much condensed energy into an idea, worked so hard to get it done, and it didn’t take off like I wanted. This lack of success put me into a tailspin and I mentally froze. It caused me to not be able to move past it or move forward with more ideas. I felt like quitting. I felt like why bother? My work life balance was essentially unbalanced. I had tilted the scale so heavy to one side with my mental block, that everything was suffering. On the outside, everything looked great, but on the inside, I couldn’t bring myself past this moment and it halted me from doing anything.
I continued for a few weeks in this freeze until I suddenly stumbled across a solution that worked. Only by happen-chance while listening to one of my podcasts, did I realize that I needed to stop avoiding confrontation with my mental block, I needed to address it directly. I took 10 minutes out of my self created avoidance routine and asked and answered 5 key questions which turned my mind around.
These simple questions completely inspired me to get me out of my unmotivated funk and back to inspired productivity. I was able to restore my work life balance again and know that I had the tools to not spiral back to that mental block again.
Read ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne to discover your true meaning in life.
If you are feeling like you just want to quit, give yourself a chance to answer these following questions. It will take ten minutes of your time and will have a lasting impact.
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5 questions to ask yourself when you want to quit
Why did I sign up for this in the first place?
If you are at your quitting point, go back to the when and why. Think about what inspired you to take on a project or sign up for class or course. What made you do it? Is it aligned to your passions or skills? You were obviously motivated to click “start” so go back and think about that inspiration. Purchase a planner or a calendar and map out your goal to completion from start to end. Check out this simple, weekly planner that you can easily put in your bag or set up at your desk.
What will happen once the I finish?
Once you have determined why you started it, think about what you will get when you finish. Will you lose the weight if you follow the plan? Will you make money upon completion? Does it open new doors and opportunities for you to grow? You have to visualize what your life will be like when you finish the task and keep those visuals in mind. This could be one small step in a big goal, but an important step nevertheless. Create a vision board or write out goals that you would see daily to continue to challenge and motivate you.
Who are you doing for?
This is a question that you will really have to think about. Our motivation is usually self-assured and this helps us rationalize why we do things. Are you doing this task for you or for someone else? Its okay if your end goal includes supporting others. But to reestablish your motivation, you have to focus on you and your purpose.
Read: Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve
Who are my motivating supporters?
We all need a cheerleader in life. You may be fortunate to be surrounded by supporters- a spouse, family, friends, but sometimes you might be alone in your pursuit. You don’t have to feel completely alone in your task. Go online and find some motivation quotes or videos (here are some great printables!). Listen to a podcast about motivation, setting goals or even life coaching. There are many supporters out there that you might just not know about. Use your motivating supporters to help redirect your need to quit.
What problems can I solve right now?
Once you have come to the root of your need for quitting. Start to think methodically like what you may need to do first to fix it. You might be tired. You might need more time. You might need more motivators. Start small and problem solve. As you work through a solution for each problem, you are one step closer to getting back on track. I recommend learning how to write lists.
Read: Feeling Overwhelmed? make a list.
It’s time to believe in yourself. Think about how far you have come. Maybe you don’t realize that you are so close to achieving a goal or making a dream come true. We are naturally wired to believe what our brain tells us. Don’t let some moments of self doubt deter your progress. In the end, you will be happy and satisfied that you didn’t quit and give up.
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